One of the greatest challenges of parenting lies in trying to understand the sometimes baffling behaviour of children. When a child suddenly refuses to do something simple and routine, for example, or throws a tantrum with no apparent provocation, we’re left searching for answers. If your child’s odd behaviour isn’t being triggered by something obvious, like fatigue ...
The preschool years are a time of incredible discovery. Your cuddly, wide-eyed infant is developing into his (or her) own little person. He’s starting to voice his own opinions, assert his independence, and explore the world around him in earnest. Alas, while toddlers are a joy to watch, they can be a challenge to parent. It’s not that ...
Few traits are as misunderstood as introversion. Introversion is not a childhood phase one is destined to grow out of, nor is it “shyness.” Shyness is a form of social anxiety, whereas introversion is a pattern of social needs and preferences. Contrary to popular belief, introverts are not necessarily self-conscious, awkward loners. They often enjoy the company of others and ...
Few things in life are as frustrating as dealing with an aggressive, unruly teenager. With that being said, however, remaining patient, calm, and empathetic is essential when communicating with any adolescent. Your teenager is dealing with heightened emotions, sensitivity, and impulsivity as a result of changes in his developing brain; as such, he needs level-headed guidance now more than ever. ...
Parenting is one of the most demanding jobs one will ever have. A parent’s desire to do the right ...
Anxiety disorders are found in children much more often than many people realize; ten to twenty percent of all children ...
Having a sense of fairness is a great virtue and a sign that your child has a strong moral compass. ...
‘Risk’ is a word that few parents enjoy contemplating. After all, whether it’s realistic or not, we instinctively want to protect our kids from all forms of potential harm. However, while this type of parental care is nothing new, experts today worry that parents are becoming overly risk-averse. Changing social dynamics have left both, parents and their kids feeling ...
Parents try many different strategies in order to encourage their children to behave well: They reason with them, they reward them, they sometimes even nag or cajole them… But what if we’re overlooking the most effective way of connecting with our kids and teaching them self-regulation skills? According to numerous experts on child development, we are—and the answer ...
Many parents who criticize their children have good intentions. They often hope that by pointing out their child’s errors, they can help her (or him) overcome problem behaviours, learn the skills she needs to succeed socially and academically, and develop a strong sense of personal accountability. They intend, at base, to guide their child. Unfortunately, parents don’t always ...
Having a child show deep attachment can be a moving experience. It propels parents to model good behaviour, maintain their child’s trust, and generally be the best people they can be… But at the same time, many parents worry that this level of attachment may not be healthy for their child. In today’s culture, there’s an enduring ...
